Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley has conceded responsibility for the decision to bring Jesse Hogan straight back into AFL action after the Coleman Medal winner struggled in the Giants’ eight point loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Hogan, returning from a hip injury, was restricted to just one goal in a quiet performance against Jack Silvagni as GWS failed to match St Kilda in a key contest that has further tightened the race for a wildcard finals spot.
The defeat comes after GWS opted against a longer VFL return for Hogan, instead selecting him for immediate senior duty following a month on the sidelines.
Hogan struggles after straight return from injury
Hogan’s comeback marked his first AFL appearance since round nine after recovering from a hip issue. The key forward finished with one goal, which came in the final quarter, and had limited impact across the match as St Kilda controlled key phases of play.
GWS had debated whether to ease him back through the VFL before deciding his experience and ability could allow him to influence the game immediately at AFL level.
However, Hogan was well contained throughout by St Kilda defender Jack Silvagni, with the Saints’ defensive structure limiting quality delivery inside forward 50.
Kingsley acknowledged the challenges of returning from injury at key forward level, noting that match fitness and timing are difficult to replicate without consistent game exposure.
Kingsley accepts responsibility for selection call
Following the match, Kingsley admitted the decision not to use the VFL as a conditioning step for Hogan may have been the wrong call, taking responsibility for the outcome while maintaining confidence in the forward’s long term impact.
He said the club expected Hogan to be capable of influencing games immediately but conceded that the lack of recent match practice made it difficult for him to perform at his usual level.
Kingsley also pointed to delivery into the forward line as a contributing factor, suggesting the Giants did not provide enough consistent opportunity for their key target.
Despite the setback, the coach remained confident Hogan would respond strongly in upcoming matches.
Injury return timing highlighted as key challenge
Hogan’s performance highlighted the difficulty key forwards face when returning directly from injury without a gradual build up. After missing a month of football, he struggled to find rhythm and connection with midfield entries.
The Giants acknowledged that while Hogan’s talent gives him the ability to impact games quickly, match conditioning remains a crucial factor in delivering consistent performances at AFL level.
His season record now stands at 11 goals from eight games in 2026, following a strong return year in 2024 where he kicked 46 goals across 16 appearances.
Cadman and Stringer provide forward support
While Hogan was quiet, Aaron Cadman continued his strong development with another four goal performance, further strengthening his position as a key attacking option for GWS.
Jake Stringer also contributed three goals, despite close attention from St Kilda defender Callum Wilkie. His ability to impact on the scoreboard helped keep GWS competitive during periods of the match.
However, the Giants were unable to maintain consistent forward pressure across four quarters, which ultimately contributed to the narrow defeat.
GWS miss opportunity in tight finals race
The loss leaves GWS in a congested middle section of the ladder, with several teams separated by only percentage in the battle for wildcard finals positions. Their inability to capitalise on recent momentum from strong wins earlier in the month has added pressure heading into the final stages of the season.
St Kilda’s defensive control and late composure proved decisive, while GWS were left to reflect on missed opportunities in attack.
Kingsley said the focus now shifts to improving forward connection and ensuring better support for key targets as the season approaches its final stretch.